Springfield’s KY3 TV’s evening news anchor, Steve Grant, will serve as Grand Marshal of the 2010 Mardi Gras Parade this weekend. The parade, part of the 5^th annual Eureka Gras Mardi Gras Extravaganza Feb. 4-16, is set to roll through historic downtown starting at 2 p.m. Saturday.

This year's Mardi Gras parade, according to organizer Dan Ellis, "will be our biggest and best yet." The "Krewe of Krazo" and their 2nd line umbrellas will head the parade, which Ellis said, "Has more floats even more colorfully decorated than in years past." Other walking groups include the "Krewe of Toots" with a theme of "Rainbow Brellas," "Demented Krewe" from Fayetteville, and a canine group called the "Krewe of Barkus." In addition to all the scheduled parade entries, locals and visitors are also encouraged to "dress-out" in costume and join the parade.                          

Immediately following the parade the Krazo Kostume Kontest follows at the New Delhi Café, starting around 3:30 p.m. Cash prizes will be awarded for the best-costumed parade entrants.  

Eureka Gras Mardi Gras Extravaganza 2010 begins Feb. 4 with the Coronation Ball at the 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa's Crystal Ballroom. The Hookers and Jokers Ball follows on Feb. 5 at the Best Western Inn of the Ozarks Convention Center, starting at 6 p.m., with music by the Jazz Mafia.

For details on all the events in Eureka Gras Mardi Gras Extravaganza 2010, got to http://krazo.ureeka.org/2010_schedule.htm or call 479-981-9551.